Because they’re worth it: why government’s attitude to the beauty industry is due a makeover 07 March Misunderstood, sneered at by sexists, and now brought to crisis point by the pandemic, the £28bn hair and beauty industry has its fair share of problems. Kate Proctor reports on how the sector is lobbying for an immediate cash injection from government and why there is a long way to go for this female-dominated industry to be taken seriously It’s the laughing that really hurts. The sniggering from male politicians whenever hair and nail salons are mentioned in the House of Commons hasn’t gone unnoticed by those working in the country’s £28bn beauty industry.